The next revolution

Why in news?
  • Energy will not be central to the unfolding electoral campaign.
  • But once the new government is sworn in, it should be brought front and square onto the policy agenda.
  • Because its current trajectory is fundamentally antithetical to the objective of sustainable development. And, because time is of the essence.
More in news
  • Conclusions of NITI Aayog:
    (1) The forecast is that energy demand will move on an upward curve.
    (2) Indigenous supplies will fail to keep pace with this increase in demand.
    (3) Energy imports will rise in absolute and relative terms.
    (4) The environment will face increasing stress.
    (5) Coal will dominate, oil and gas will have significance.
    (6) Renewables, whilst on a rising trend, will account for a relatively inconsequential share.
    (7) Air pollution, depleting water tables and extreme weather conditions will presage ecological collapse.
  • Usage in India:
    (1) India will import 95 per cent of its oil requirements; 60 per cent of its gas requirements and 30 per cent of its coal requirements.
    (2) India will meet its Paris commitments to reduce GHG emissions by 35 per cent in 2035 relative to 2005.
  • Reasons:
    (1) Abundance of Coal: Coal is the cheapest of fuels and there are no competitive substitutes for liquids as a fuel for mobility.
    (2) High cost for renewables.
    (3) Technology and other constraints.
  • Way ahead:
    (1) Replacing the Current views on energy sectors:
  • This lens encourages a siloed approach to energy governance.
  • A general equilibrium macro model is required that captures such linkages and enables decision-makers to consider the systemic implications of changes in one or more of these variables.
    (1) Creating appropriate Institutions:
  • Multiple “energy” ministries (petroleum, coal, renewables, power, atomic) should be collapsed into one omnibus Ministry of Energy and Environment.
  • This will enable integrated decision making; it will also provide a platform for collaborative public-private and constructively “disruptive” innovation.
Source
Indian express




Posted by Jawwad Kazi on 1st Apr 2019
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